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IDL is a complete computing environment for the interactive analysis and
visualization of data. IDL integrates a powerful, array-oriented language with
numerous mathematical analysis and graphical display techniques. Programming in
IDL is a time-saving alternative to programming in FORTRAN or C. You can
explore data interactively using IDL commands, then create complete
applications by writing IDL programs.
Features of IDL
- IDL is a complete, structured language that can be used both interactively
and to create sophisticated functions, procedures, and applications.
- Operators and functions work on entire arrays (without using loops),
simplifying interactive analysis and reducing programming time.
- Immediate compilation and execution of IDL commands provides instant
feedback and "hands-on" interaction.
- Rapid 2D plotting, multi-dimensional plotting, volume visualization, image
display, and animation allow you to observe the results of your computations
immediately.
- Many numerical and statistical analysis routines, including Numerical
Recipes routines, are provided for analysis and simulation of data.
- IDL's flexible input/output facilities allow you to read any type of custom
data format. Support is also provided for common image standards (including
BMP, GIF, JPEG, and XWD) and scientific data formats (CDF, HDF, and
NetCDF).
- IDL widgets can be used to quickly create multi-platform graphical user
interfaces to your IDL programs.
- IDL programs run the same across all supported platforms (UNIX, VMS,
Microsoft Windows, and Macintosh systems) with little or no modification. This
application portability allows you to easily support a variety of
computers.
- Existing FORTRAN and C routines can be dynamically-linked into IDL to add
specialized functionality. Alternatively, C and FORTRAN programs can call IDL
routines as a subroutine library or display "engine."
Installation and Licensing
IDL may be installed from CD or downloaded from
RSI. However, without a valid license, it will only operate in a
seven-minute demo mode. The IDL
VM (Virtual Machine) is a free runtime execution environment that can be
used to execute IDL programs compiled using the full product.
Workstations with an AFS client installed may directly run IDL from our
central servers. No local installation is needed other than some symbolic links
for convenience.
The College has a small number of floating licenses available. Send e-mail
to research.computing@dartmouth.edu
for the current license file. Single licenses are much more expensive than bulk
licensing. Please contact us if you are considering purchasing a private
license. Student licensing is also available.
Versions
The floating licenses are valid for all versions from 5.0 (possibly earlier)
up to the current version. The versions installed in AFS and available to UNIX
workstations and central systems are summarized in the table below. In general,
the default version on any particular platform is the latest that can run on
that platform. Other available versions can be run by appending the version
number (e.g., idl_5.3).
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OS/Architecture
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Versions Available
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Default
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Irix 6.2
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5
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5
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Irix 6.5.x
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5, 5.3, 5.4, 6.0
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6.0
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AIX 4.2
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5
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5
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AIX 4.3.3
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5, 5.3, 5.4
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5.4
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AIX 5.x
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5, 5.3, 5.4, 6.0
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5.4
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Solaris 7, 8, 9
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5.3, 5.4, 6.0
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5.4
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Linux 2.2, 2.4
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5.4, 6.0
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5.4
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Tru64 4.x, 5.x
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5.3, 5.4, 6.0
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5.4
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Mac OS X
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6.0
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6.0
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Local Documentation
The main IDL reference manuals are distributed as PDF files. They are
available on the Web; see IDL Virtual
Machine and through AFS. In addition, the idlhelp application
has all of the reference material online. Idlhelp does not require a
license.
There is a local mailing list, idl-users@listserv.dartmouth.edu,
for dissemination of information on licensing, new version installs, bug
reports, etc.
The list archives and subscription information are available on the Web; see
Archives of
IDL-USERS@LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU. All IDL users are encouraged to subscribe
to this mailing list.
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